Articulated key and lock combination



Oct. 13, M. ALBERT 3,533,254

ARTICULATED KEY AND LOCK COMBINATION Filed Aug. 12 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY 3,533,254 ARTICULATED KEY AND LOCK COMBINATION Martin Albert, Brooklyn, N.Y. (3260 Coney Island Ave., Brighton Beach, N.Y. 11235) Filed Aug. 12, 1969, Ser. No. 849,336 Int. Cl. EOSb 19/02, 21/00 U.S. Cl. 70-355 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to keys and locks and more particularly to an improved, articulated key and a lock in combination therewith that renders unauthorized opening of the look more difiicult.

In recent years, primarily because of an increase in the crime rate, the general public is becoming more securityconscious and there have been many attempts made to burglarproof buildings, particularly dwellings. For example, the magnetic key represents a substantial improvement over the prior art. However, the magnetic key, as well as substantially all of the recent lock improvements, rely basically on a rigid key. By way of contrast I have found that by using an articulated or jointed key an improved lock can fabricated and an improved key and lock combination is provided.

The broadest aspect of this invention provides a key with pivot means in the shank thereof. When the key is inserted and rotated, pins on the internal end thereof engage and displace a first linearly slidable safety latch and then angularly displace a cam member. This latter action releases the bolt so that continued rotation of the key causes lateral displacement of the bolt. Magnet means initially draw the internal end of the key into an operative position. Means are also provided for marrying" a particular key to a particular lock.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved key and lock combination.

It is a feature of this invention that an articulated key having pivot means in the shank portion thereof is utilized.

An advantage of the present invention is that the key and lock combination described herein is more difficult to open by unauthorized persons.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved key and lock combination having at least one and preferably two members that must be displaced before the bolt can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an improved key and lock combination, as described above, having magnet means for positively placing the internal end of an articulated key in a Working position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved key and lock combination, as described above, wherein code means are included for identifying a particular key with respect to a particular lock.

A particular object of this invention is to provide an improved articulated key that is used to first displace a slidable safety latch and then angularly displace a camlike bolt-retaining member.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will, in part, be ponted out with particu- United States Patent ice larity andwill, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an improved, articulated key that forms part of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an internal, elevational view illustrating the relative positions of the various components of this invention in the key-inserted and lock-open condition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the locked position of the key and the various components comprising the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating the unlocked position of the key and the various components of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view schematically showing the relationship of selected ones of the elements comprising this invention at various times.

Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is shown a key 10 which, in combination with a lock to be described later, comprises the present invention. The key 10 includes a gripping portion 12 on which is provided an integral stop pin 14 that serves to limit the depth of insertion of the key into the lock. The key 10 is further comprised of shank portions 16 and 18 and that are coupled together by means of a pivot pin 20. The firs shank portion 16 is substantially U-shaped in order to receive the second shank portion 18 when the second shank portion 18 is moved in the direction of arrow A. This provides for a compact and easily carried key. The first shank portion 16 is further provided with a pin 22 whose function is to limit the insertion of the key 10 into the lock. The second shank portion 18 of the key 10 includes a plurality of irregularly spaced holes 24 and a pair of pins 26 and 28. In operation and as will be described more fully hereinafter, the shank portion 18 moves either under the force of gravity or by means of some other external force such as a magnet, in the direction of arrow B. The holes 24 and the pins 26 and 28 then cooperate with specific portions of the lock in a manner that will now be described.

For ease of understanding, there is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, only the inside of the lock assembly 30 comprising the present invention. External housings have been eliminated and the components illustrated are fairly schematic in order to simplify the following description. A base plate 32 includes a freely rotatable cylinder 33 that is provided with a keyhole 34 to receive the key 10 as has been previously described. In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, only the shank portion 18 of the key 10 is visible it being understood that the key, in effect, is coming out of the paper toward the viewer. A magnet 36 is suitably secured to the base plate 32 in order to positively attract the shank portion 18 of the key 10. It should be noted that when the key is inserted, the shank portion 18 will normally fall under the influence of gravity into a substantially vertical position. However, the position of the magnet 36 provides for positive locating of the shank portion 18.

A pair of bolt members 40- and 42 are also provided and are connected to each other by means of a strap 44. The bolts 40 and 42 are movable within channels defined by lower guide members 4611 and 46b and upper guide members 48:: and 48b. It should be noted that the guide members 46a, 46b, and 48a, 48!) represent one possible means for restraining the bolt members 40 and 42 along a linear path. It should be understood that other means within the scope of the invention may also be employed such as T-shaped recesses or the like.

A first latch member 50 is slidably secured to the base plate 32 and is provided with a recess 52 in order to receive the pin 26 that is formed on the shank portion 18 of the key 10. The first latch member 50 is slidably movable within a channel 54 formed in the base plate 32 and is positioned in between the magnet 36 and a second latch member 56 that is mounted pivotally on a pin 58 secured to the base plate 32. Alternatively guide means similar to 46a, 46b may be used for the first latch 50. In the position shown in FIG. 2, that is, with the key initially inserted, a pin 60 positioned on the upper edge of the second latch 56 is in abutment with the bottom edge of the first latch 50 thereby preventing any angular movement of the second latch 56.

A plurality of notches 62, 64 and 66 are formed on the bottom edge of the second latch 56 which is also provided with a locating pin 68 on its bottom surface and at the end thereof opposite the pivot 58. The pin 68 is adapted to be received in a hole 70 formed in the top surface of the bolt member 40'. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 2, with the key inserted, the second shank portion 18 is attracted by the magnet 36 such that the pin 26 enters the hole 52 of the first latch 50.

When the key is turned to the position shown in FIG. 3, several movements take place. First, the pin 26 displaces the first latch member 50 to the left within the channel 54 and thereby frees the pin 60 from the restraint of the latch 50. The angular movement of the key also causes the pin 28, which is initially positioned within the notch 62 to pivot the second latch member 56 upwardly about the pivot point 58 freeing the pin 68 from the hole 70. Continued movement of the shank 18 to the position shown in FIG. 3 causes it to strike a first abutment 72 on the bolt 40. This drives the bolt 40 to the left until abutment 72 hits fixed stop 73. This is the locked position. At this time the pin 28 is opposite the notch 64 which permits the second latch 56 to drop downwardly and also permits the pin 68 to engage a second hole 74 in the bolt 40. In this manner, the bolts 40 and 42 are secured in the locked position.

In order to permit its removal, the key is rotated back to the position shown in FIG. 2 and in so doing carries with it the first latch 50. As the shank portion 18 moves from notch 64 to 62, the second latch 56 is raised slightly and, since the bolt does not move, the pin 68 returns to the hole 74. At the same time, the pin 60 is placed in abutment with the underside of the first latch 50 in order to prevent further unauthorized movement of the lock.

In order to retract the bolts 40 and 42, the key 10 is once again inserted and moved in the opposite angular direction into the position shown in FIG. 4. It will be seen that in this position, the first latch 50 is moved to the right by means of the pin 26 as described hereinabove. In addition, the pin 28 has moved into the notch 66 and in so doing has lifted the second latch member 56 so that the pin 68 is clear of the hole 74.

At this time, an additional feature of the invention should be mentioned. A block 80 is secured to the base plate 32 by any suitable means such as screws, and is provided with a plurality of pins 82 that are equal in number and location and only slightly smaller than the holes 24 that are formed on the second shank portion 18 of the key 10. It will be apparent that the key 10' cannot be moved to the position shown in FIG. 4 unless the pins 82 are received in and pass through the holes 24. By this simple means a particular key is coded for a particular lock. The particular number of and pattern for the pins 82 and the holes 24 is virtually limitless.

When the key 10 moves from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4, the shank portion 18 thereof engages a second abutment 84 formed on the bolt 40. Movement of the shank portion 18 against the second abutment 84 will cause the bolts 40 and 42 to move to the right or unlocked position and will also permit the second latch 56 to return by the force of gravity to the position shown in FIG. 2. To remove the key 10 it is necessary to once again move it angularly back from the position shown in FIG. 4 to that in FIG. 2, causing the second latch member to rise and fall as the pin 28 moves from the notch 66 to the notch 62. The return of the shank portion 18 also causes return of the first latch to its initial position, since the pin 26 is positioned in the hole 62. The pin will once again be in opposition to the underside of the first latch 50 to thereby prevent unauthorized use of the lock.

The operation of the device may best be summarized by reference to FIG. 5. For ease of understanding, the three positions of pin 28 have been designated by the subscripts a, b, and c. In the position shown in FIG. 2 with the key inserted, pin 28a is in notch 62; the first latch 50 is in direct opposition to the pin 60 (see the dotted outline in FIG. 5); pin 26 is disposed in hole 52 of the first latch 50; and pin 68 is in hole 70. When the key 10 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 3, pin 28b is in notch, 64, pin 26 has moved the first latch 50 to the left of the dotted outline position shown in FIG. 5, and the abutment 72 has been moved against the fixed stop 73 so that the bolts 40 and 42 are extended. Pin 68, at this time is in hole 74. When the key is moved in the opposite angular direction, pin 26 moves the latch 50' to the solid outline position shown in FIG. 5, pin 280 is in notch 66 and pin 68 once again drops into hole When the latch 50 is in opposition to pin 60, the second latch 56 cannot pivot about 58 so that pin 28 cannot move out of the notch 62.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that an improved lock utilizing an articulated key has been provided. The pivot means in the key permits the inner shank portion of the key to assume a working position once the key is inserted. With the inner shank portion of the key movable in an angular direction, two bolts may be displaced laterally and simultaneously Very simple means are provided for coding a specific key to a specific lock and in addition, dual latch members are also provided to minimize the likelihood of unauthorized persons opening the lock.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated. It is to be understood, however, that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An improved key and lock combination comprising:

(a) an articulated key having a gripping portion, first and second sections and pivot means coupling said first and second sections to each other;

(b) a housing having a freely rotatable cylinder therein for receiving a portion of said key;

(0) at least one bolt slidably mounted in said housing and responsive to angular movement of said key;

((1) bolt retaining means pivotally mounted in said housing and including means for releasably engaging said bolt, said bolt retaining means being responsive to angular movement of said key whereby said bolt retaining means is angularly displaced and disengaged from said bolt to thereby permit movement of said bolt by said key;

(e) latch means slidably mounted in said housing;

(f) a first pin integral with said bolt retaining means and in engagement with said latch means for inhibiting angular movement of said =bolt retaining means; and

(g) means integral with said key for engaging said latch means whereby upon rotation of said key, said latch means is disengaged from said first pin to thereby permit pivotal movement of said bolt retaining means and said bolt.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of said bolts and wherein means are included for coupling said plurality of bolts to permit concurrent movement thereof.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said key includes a second pin spaced from said first pin, said bolt retaining means having a plurality of notches arranged to successively receive said second pin upon rotation of said key whereby said bolt retaining means is angularly displaced when said second pin is moved from one of said notches to the next adjacent one of said notches, said bolt retaining means further including a third pin and said bolt including a hole to receive said third pin when said second pin is in one of said notches to thereby prevent movement of said bolt.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bolt includes a pair of spaced apart projections thereon positioned so as to be engaged by said key as said key is moved angularly whereby said key moves said bolt in two opposite direction along a linear path.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further including magnet means positioned on said housing and arranged to attract said section of said key remote from said key-gripping portion.

6. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said gripping portion includes stop means integral therewith for limiting the extent of insertion of said key into said cylinder.

7. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein one of said sections of said key is U-shaped and is arranged to receive at least a portion of the other of said key sections.

8. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further including means for coding a particular key to a particular lock comprising a block fastened to said housing and a pin and hole combination, one of said last two mentioned elements being on said key section that is remote from said key-gripping portion, the other of said last two mentioned elements being on said block, said pins and said holes being located in identical, irregular patterns whereby only a single key will unlock a single lock,

9. The combination in accordance with claim 8 wherein said pins are on said block.

10. An improved lock and key combination comprising:

(a) an articulated key having a gripping portion, first and second sections and pivot means coupling said section to each other;

(b) a housing having a freely rotatable cylinder therein for receiving a portion of said key;

(c) magnet means positioned on said housing and arranged to attract said section of said key remote from said key-gripping portion;

((1) at least one bolt slidably mounted in said housing and responsive to angular movement of said key; and

(e) bolt retaining means pivotally mounted in said housing and including means for releasably engaging said bolt, said bolt retaining means being responsive to angular movement of said key whereby said bolt retaining means is angularly displaced and disengaged from said bolt to thereby permit movement of said bolt by said key.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 97,547 12/1869 Parker 70396 313,098 3/1885 Moser 70-150 947,048 1/1910 Wallin 70355 1,070,757 8/1913 Watson 70-355 1,464,194 8/ 1923 Bartolacelli 70-38 1,476,481 12/1923 Raymond 70-3 62 1,592,637 7/1926 Macri 70134 2,295,417 9/1942 McCormick 70-l44 3,462,983 8/1969 Evanish 70383 MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner R. L. WOLFE, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

